The Inflation Reduction Act is set to cut emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, create 1.5 million jobs, improve access to new technologies that could save households an average of $1,800 per year, avert up to 100,000 asthma attacks annually, and avoid over 400,000 lost workdays.

On top of that, a recent study shows that a majority of Americans—66 to 80 percent—support such climate policies as a carbon pricing or a Green New Deal.

What does all of this mean for sustainability efforts in your community? Momentum is building and the time to act is now.

In Iowa City, Iowa, we have used a mix of encouraging incentives, hopeful messaging, and grassroots engagement to steadily reduce greenhouse gas emissions year-over-year, while engaging a coalition of climate ambassadors and positioning climate change as a problem worth solving together.

Below are five lessons we have learned that might help you boost sustainability efforts in your own community.

Opt for Incentives Over Regulation

Although a majority of Americans now support climate policy, regulations are going to be more effective at the state or federal level. Instead, cities should aim to offer incentives that can be scaled, tailored to community needs and interests, and help build positive momentum.

Iowa City’s suite of Climate Action Grant programs is an example of incentives that positively reinforce action and move the needle without causing unnecessary frustration or conflict. Grant recipients in a variety of sectors not only benefit directly from grant-funded improvements but also become ambassadors of positive messaging that further fuels the cause.

Overlap Goals as Much as Possible

Stack climate action projects and programs with such complementary co-benefits as financial savings, economic development, small business support, workforce development, affordable housing, public health, and neighborhood collaboration, etc.

Overlapping goals can increase buy-in, shed light on the benefits of climate action, and use resources in a more efficient and effective way. For example, our Root for Trees voucher program benefits many: tree plantings capture carbon from the air, increase shade and windbreak for homes while bolstering curb appeal and property values, and spur business for local nurseries and garden centers.

Ensure Programs Are Reaching Those Most in Need

When Iowa City launched a rebate program for electric vehicle (EV) charging, it might have seemed strange to limit it to multi-family property owners only. But as electric cars become more attainable, it was a way to bring renters into the fold—making it more convenient to park and charge at home.

Consider where, when, and how your own climate action efforts are taking place. Are they (intentionally or otherwise) reaching those who will benefit the most?

Re-think the Role of Marketing and Engagement in Sustainability

As a Big 10 university town, we are no stranger to the way a mascot can rally a crowd and inspire the next win!

Iowa City unveiled a climate action mascot—“Goldie”—to accompany climate action marketing. Goldie delivers helpful, positive messaging to the community and spurs more participation from the public. In fact, after launching a home insulation marketing campaign featuring Goldie, applications to the insulation grant program increased by 650%!

What creative marketing strategies can you use to promote your own programs or the new federal incentives for residents and businesses that are being rolled out through the Inflation Reduction Act?

Stay Positive and Celebrate Wins

It can be easy to let the impacts of climate change feel too dire or overwhelming to take action. Fortunately, every action matters. Positive momentum is happening every day, all over the world. Iowa City’s Project 51 provided bite-sized positive examples of inspiring work and progress being made. The messages were easily shareable and helped inspire continued action, no matter how big or small. 

Climate justice advocate Mary Annaïse Heglar reminds us even if you do not feel hopeful, you don't have to feel helpless: “The thing about climate is that you can be overwhelmed by the complexity of the problem, or fall in love with the creativity of the solutions.” 

Tip the scales toward progress and hope, celebrate the wins—big or small, and start taking action today.

Learn more about climate action efforts taking place in Iowa City, Iowa.